5 Down, 1 to Go!

I had my fifth chemotherapy treatment on Monday.  Today I had my second red blood cell transfusion - 6 hours and boring!  Since I involuntarily became an experienced chemo patient, I know what to expect.  Week 1 and 2  of each chemo cycle are tough but week 3 of each cycle is pretty good - taste returns to near normal and energy improves.  It is an interesting feeling going for each treatment.  Someone asked if I dread it - not really.  I certainly don't look forward to the side effects that will inevitably come but each time I go for a treatment, I have one less to go through and that is very good.each cycle

I realized yesterday that one of the things I need is to feel in control in some way.  I couldn't control getting breast cancer but I could control how I react to it.  I can't control the side effects of the chemotherapy but I can try to control how I handle them.  It is hard to not get in a "funk" (as evidenced by my previous post) but I can try.  Mike says I am a really good patient, doing everything I have to do.  I don't really feel I have a choice but I have managed to stay healthy, stay on top of my assorted meds and rest as much as I can.  It helps to feel like I can control this much.

Thanksgiving was quiet but nice.  We talked with family on the phone and had a nice turkey roast dinner together.  Christmas is coming soon - thank goodness for online shopping :).  I am definitely cutting back - energy levels and money are not what they were - but I truly love the shopping that I can do.  What I feel the worst about though for this holiday season is that we are not having the big Picioccio Xmas !  We are getting together with Rich and Pat on Christmas Eve afternoon and that will be wonderful but it is not the same as the loud, fun, crowded gatherings of past years.  My chemo cycle and assorted work schedules made it impossible for this year but we definitely need to make a point of renewing our gatherings next year.

One of the interesting things I realized as I typed this blog is that this holiday season is very different for me.  I guess because I can't do that much, my focus is different. I am thinking more about family and their love and prayers for me and mine for them.  My young nieces and nephews have so much going on in their lives and they are always in my prayers.  God is watching over our whole family and I am so much more aware of this this year.  I know good things come from everything and I really feel like these last 5 months have shown me how much I have to be grateful for.